It’s the ‘Gold Standard’ in Autism Care. Why Are States Reining It In?

December 23, 2025

Colorful dots and scrabble pieces that spell autism

(KFF Health News) – Other families around the country have also recently had their access to the therapy challenged as state officials make deep cuts to Medicaid — the public health insurance that covers people with low incomes and disabilities. North Carolina attempted to cut payments to ABA providers by 10%. Nebraska cut payments by nearly 50% for some ABA providers. Payment reductions also are on the table in Colorado and Indiana, among other states.

Efforts to scale back come as state Medicaid programs have seen spending on the autism therapy balloon in recent years. (Read More)